Image by It’s Beautiful Here via Virginia & Troy’s Charming St Kilda Backyard Wedding
A marriage ceremony carries so many traditions and most of the time, we don’t even question them because we’re so used to witnessing them. But when a recent couple decided to buck with tradition and wear their wedding rings on their right hands, I decided to do some homework. Here are some long-held traditions explained…
Wedding Rings
Why do we wear our wedding band on the ‘ring’ finger of our left hand? We have the Romans to thank for this one. They believed that a vein in the ring finger (the fourth finger) of the left hand ran directly to your heart. This vein was known as ‘vena amoris’, which is Latin for the vein of love. It sounds so wonderfully romantic but scientists say it’s not quite accurate – it turns out all our fingers have a similar vein structure.
Image by Deep Grey via Arianna & Blake’s Fun Brisbane Garden Wedding
The Best Man
More often than not, the groom’s best man is his best mate. But back in the day, the groom would choose his strongest, toughest friend as his back-up just in case he was forced to kidnap his would-be wife from her disapproving parents. During the ceremony, the best man would stand beside the groom so he was well positioned to defend the bride.
Image by It’s Beautiful Here via Megan & Josh’s Flower Filled Winery Wedding
The Bride’s Maids
These days your bridesmaids are the all-important girls (and guys) in your life whose job it is to support you in and on the lead-up to your wedding day. In Roman times, their role was a lot more serious. Brides would have ten witnesses (or maids) dressed identically to them who would act as decoys to prevent evil spirits trying to harm the bride. They were also there to confuse any jealous ex-lovers who might try to kidnap the bride!
Image by Nicola Lemmon via Deena & Nick’s Queensland Modern Art Gallery Wedding
The Wedding Veil
To cover or not to cover your face with your wedding veil? Most modern brides opt against it but there was a time when brides had no choice, because it was the only way of hiding the bride from evil spirits. The theory was if these spirits couldn’t see the bride then they couldn’t curse her.
Image by Simon Peter Taylor via Kayla and James’ Classic Urban Wedding
Where To Stand?
Traditionally brides stand to the left of their groom (with their backs facing their guests) so the groom can act as their protector. The groom would hold his bride’s hand with his left hand, leaving his right hand free to draw his sword if anyone tried to kidnap her. And would you believe most of the time the kidnappers were the bride’s own relatives? Back then, it was common for brides to have been ‘stolen’ from their families.
Image by Steven Cheah Photography via Keren & Mat’s Elegant Backyard Wedding
Ms Chinoiserie Says: A wonderful explanation of traditions – and each one has a sensible purpose! Goodness me, all the kidnapping that went on!!!
About Melissa Polimeni Marriage Celebrant: I love weddings and I love what I do. As a celebrant, my job is getting to know couples and crafting memorable marriage ceremonies – and that’s always such a pleasure and privilege.
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